Microsoft, RIM ink patent deal on storage tech

From CNET News.com: Microsoft and Research In Motion today said they have signed a patent licensing agreement that gives RIM access to Microsoft file system technology.

That technology is called Extended File Allocation Table -- or "exFAT" for short -- and Microsoft says it optimizes files for use on flash storage, which is overwhelmingly the storage of choice on modern day portable devices like smartphones and tablets.

"Today's smartphones and tablets require the capacity to display richer images and data than traditional cellular phones," David Kaefer, the general manager of intellectual property licensing at Microsoft said in a statement. "This agreement with RIM highlights how a modern file system, such as exFAT can help directly address the specific needs of customers in the mobile industry."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This is the most recent patent related deal between the two companies in the past year or so. Last June a consortium comprising Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, Sony and RIM pooled together to purchase the patent portfolio of Nortel Networks for $4.5 billion.

Nonetheless, the two companies compete strongly in the world of smartphones, where Microsoft's Windows Phone platform goes up against RIM's BlackBerry.

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